January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INQUIRIES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PRESS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Maureen Bennett at 908-277-8834 or mbennett@smgnj.com
FOR ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 908-273-4300.
Berkeley Heights, NJ -- During Glaucoma Awareness Month, Summit Medical Group wants to help people understand its risks as well as the need for screening and treatment. Glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the eyes that causes vision loss. Because there often are no symptoms in its early stages, many people do not know they have it.
Risk
Glaucoma can affect people of all ages and races; however, certain people are at higher risk for it than others. For example, it's more common in people age 60 years or more. In addition, people of African and Hispanic descent have higher rates of glaucoma and associated blindness than those of other ethnic backgrounds. Researchers are unsure why the disease is more common in certain people, but they believe genetics has a role in who gets the disease. Level of care also is associated with its severity and how quickly it progresses.
Other risk factors for glaucoma include:
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“Detecting glaucoma early is critical for keeping the disease from getting worse," notes Summit Medical Group ophthalmologist Eric B. Gurwin, MD. “We recommend screening every 1 to 2 years to ensure healthy eyes. This frequency of screening is especially important for people who are at high risk for glaucoma.”
Treatment
There is no cure for glaucoma. In some patients, however, medication, laser surgery, and certain traditional surgical procedures can help prevent or slow vision loss. An ophthalmologist will consider many factors, including the type of glaucoma a person has, medical and family history, ethnicity, and overall health, when determining a treatment plan that is best.
For more information, contact Summit Medical Group Ophthalmology at 908-277-8682.
